Marcus Trescothick, the former England batsman, has said England will sorely miss Michael Vaughan's presence as they look to regain the Ashes this summer. Trescothick said that Vaughan, who is expected to announce his retirement from the game on Tuesday, was a natural leader of men not just on the field but off it as well.

Vaughan captained the team to Ashes glory in 2005, ending a wait of nearly 20 years. Trescothick and Vaughan forged a very successful opening combination since coming together in 2000 and Trescothick said it was a privilege being associated with him.

"His experience within this year's Ashes side would have been really important," Trescothick told Sky Sports. "Obviously we worked closely together for a couple of years and had a great time, culminating in us winning the Ashes.

"To work with him, experience him and talk to him was a key moment for all of us. It was great to have that relationship with him."

Vaughan took over the reins in 2004 after the team had moulded into a fighting unit under Nasser Hussain. He carried on the good work and led his team to more Test victories than any other English captain. After his tearful resignation last year, his place in the team wasn't guaranteed due to his indifferent batting form, which wasn't enough to earn him a place in the Ashes probables squad.

"When Nasser Hussain finished the team needed to move forward and Michael was the right guy at the time," Trescothick said. "He's a leader of men who has the ability - behind the scenes as well - to keep people going. People see what he does on the field but they don't see the off-the-field Michael.

"He was brilliant at keeping you going to the next game, the next innings, or the next day. That's what he was great at."

Vaughan's team-mate and bowling spearhead during the 2005 Ashes, Steve Harmison, also praised his leadership skills and spoke of how the players cherished playing under him.